Benefits of family-centered care – Health of the children has been considered as the vital importance to all societies because children are the basic resource for the future of humankind. Nursing care of children is concerned for both the health of the children and for the illnesses that affect their growth and development. The increasing complexity of medical and nursing science has created a need for special area of child care, i.e. pediatric nursing.
Pediatric nursing is the specialized area of nursing practice concerning the care of children during wellness and illness. It includes preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative care of children. It emphasizes on all round development of body, mind and spirit of the growing individual. Thus, pediatric nursing involves in giving assistance, care and support to the growing and developing children to achieve their individual potential for functioning with fullest capacity.
Benefits of family-centered care
There are many benefits associated with the practice of family-centered care. Nurses should not only establish rapport with the patient but also with the family.
The benefits are –
- This allows for optimal collaboration and collaborating with the family maximizes each child’s growth and well-being.
- Working together parents and health care workers can make more personal and informed decisions regarding what the best treatment is for a child.
- Supporting a parent in coping with their child’s illness allows them to provide better care for their child and enhances the stability of a parent child relationship.
- The nurse has a greater understanding of the family’s capabilities and strengths allowing the nurse to further build upon and enhance those skills ensuring the patient is provided the best care even after discharge.
- Together the family, nurse, and healthcare staff are empowered to provide the most optimal care for a child.
(Ref: Gance-Cleveland, B. (2006). Family-centered care: Decreasing disparities. Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing)
Strategies of Family Centered Care:
- Acknowledge and respect a family’s individuality and strengths.
- Foster a family’s competence and confidence in caring for the child.
- Empower the family to advocate for their child when dealing with the health care system.
- Involve family members in decision making about their child’s physical care.
- Care conference with the child’s family and members of the health care team including nurses.
- Recognize and respect the expertise of the family.
Read more: